When it comes to expressing congratulations, the Chinese language offers a rich variety of phrases that capture the joy and excitement of celebrating someone’s achievements. Whether it’s a promotion, graduation, or any other milestone, knowing how to say congratulations in Chinese can be a wonderful way to show your support and happiness. In this article, we will explore ten different ways to express congratulations in Chinese, ranging from traditional idioms to modern phrases.
恭喜 (ㄍㄨㄥ ㄒㄧˇ)
恭喜 is the most common and straightforward way to say “congratulations” in Chinese. This phrase is widely used in various situations to express joy and celebration, such as birthdays, weddings, or any accomplishment. It is a versatile phrase that can be used both formally and informally.
祝賀你 (ㄓㄨˋ ㄏㄜˋ ㄋㄧˇ)
祝賀你, meaning “congratulations to you,” is another commonly used phrase in Chinese to express congratulations. This phrase emphasizes the personal connection and directly addresses the person you are congratulating. It shows your sincere wishes and positive thoughts towards their achievement.
恭賀 (ㄍㄨㄥ ㄏㄜˋ)
恭賀 is a concise and elegant way to say “congratulations” in Chinese. It carries a more formal tone and is often used in formal contexts, such as official letters, business settings, or formal events. Using 恭賀 showcases a higher level of respect and politeness.
恭祝 (ㄍㄨㄥ ㄓㄨˋ)
恭祝 is a phrase that combines “恭喜” (congratulations) and “祝福” (blessings) together. It conveys both congratulations and good wishes, making it an all-encompassing phrase for expressing joy and sending positive thoughts to the person being congratulated.
太好了 (ㄊㄞˋ ㄏㄠˇ ㄌㄜ˙)
太好了, meaning “fantastic” or “great,” is an exclamation often used to express excitement and congratulations. It carries a sense of enthusiasm and is commonly used in informal and casual settings to show genuine happiness for someone’s achievement.
真棒 (ㄓㄣ ㄅㄤˋ)
真棒, translated as “awesome” or “terrific,” is a popular phrase used to convey admiration and congratulations. It expresses a high level of approval and praise for the person’s accomplishment, highlighting their excellence and success.
太厲害了 (ㄊㄞˋ ㄌㄧˋ ㄏㄞˋ ㄌㄜ˙)
太厲害了, meaning “amazing” or “impressive,” is a phrase commonly used to express astonishment and admiration. By using this phrase, you are acknowledging the person’s exceptional skills or achievements and congratulating them on their remarkable accomplishment.
我都替你高興 (ㄨㄛˇ ㄉㄨ ㄊㄧˋ ㄋㄧˇ ㄍㄠ ㄒㄧㄥ)
我都替你高興 means “I am happy for you” in Chinese. By using this phrase, you are showing your genuine joy and happiness for the person’s success or good news. It conveys a warm and heartfelt congratulations that reflects your personal connection and emotional support.
我為你(而)驕傲 (ㄨㄛˇ ㄨㄟˊ ㄋㄧˇ ( ㄦˊ ) ㄐㄧㄠ ㄠˋ)
我為你(而)驕傲 translates to “I am proud of you” in Chinese. This phrase is often used to express not only congratulations but also a deep sense of pride and admiration. It shows that you recognize and appreciate the person’s hard work, dedication, and achievements.
燕雀相賀 (ㄧㄢˋ ㄑㄩㄝˋ ㄒㄧㄤ ㄏㄜˋ)
燕雀相賀 is an idiom derived from ancient Chinese literature, symbolizing a grand celebration where even the sparrows come together to congratulate someone. Using this phrase portrays a lively and joyous atmosphere, emphasizing the significance of the occasion and the widespread happiness it brings.
Summary
Join our Substack “Mandarin Zest“, where we regularly share intermediate to advanced Chinese learning content. Make sure to subscribe!
Knowing how to say congratulations in Chinese allows you to connect with Chinese-speaking friends, colleagues, or loved ones on a deeper level. Whether you choose the traditional phrases like 恭喜 and 恭賀, or opt for more contemporary expressions like 太好了 and 太厲害了, each phrase carries its unique meaning and tone. By using these ten ways to say congratulations in Chinese, you can show your support, admiration, and heartfelt joy for someone’s accomplishments, fostering stronger relationships and spreading positivity.
Bubble Tea Island 